Verdict: Essential. While Windows 11 introduces new security protocols and a sleek new interface, loopMIDI remains the undefeated champion of virtual MIDI routing. It is lightweight, rock-solid, and compatible, though its utilitarian interface shows its age against the modern Windows 11 aesthetic.
Once installed, launch LoopMIDI from your Start Menu.
Your new virtual cable now appears in the MIDI settings of every compatible DAW or standalone app on your system.
If you have ever tried to connect two music software applications on Windows 11—for example, sending MIDI data from a sequencer like REAPER into a standalone synth like Vital, or controlling a VJ app with a DAW—you’ve likely hit a wall. Unlike macOS with its built-in IAC Driver, Windows lacks native virtual MIDI cables.
Enter LoopMIDI by Tobias Erichsen. Despite being developed years before Windows 11, this tiny, lightweight tool remains the industry standard for virtual MIDI routing. Here is everything you need to know about using LoopMIDI on Windows 11.
Microsoft is actively developing a new MIDI 2.0 stack for Windows. In preview builds, you can already see a modernized MIDI settings page in the Windows Settings app. Once fully released, this will likely include native virtual MIDI ports, potentially making loopMIDI obsolete.
However, until that day arrives (and until every DAW and plugin fully supports the new system), loopMIDI remains an essential tool. It works today, requires no beta software, and integrates perfectly with the existing MIDI 1.0 ecosystem that still powers 99% of music software.
loopMIDI remains the industry-standard freeware for creating virtual MIDI loopback ports on Windows. While highly reliable for a decade, recent Windows 11 updates (specifically those introducing the new MIDI 2.0 stack) have introduced compatibility hurdles that users must navigate. Core Functionality
Virtual Port Creation: Easily create an unlimited number of virtual MIDI ports to route data between different software applications (e.g., from a standalone sequencer to a DAW).
System Integration: Runs as a lightweight tray application. It can be configured to autostart with Windows so your virtual ports are ready immediately upon login.
User-Specific Ports: Unlike some drivers that install at the kernel level, loopMIDI ports are unique to the logged-in user and only exist while the application is active. Windows 11 Compatibility Status
Recent Windows 11 updates (particularly versions like 24H2 and 25H2) have caused issues for loopMIDI because of Microsoft's rollout of a new native Windows MIDI Services stack. Loop Midi hidden in Windows 11 25H2 fix - Page 2 - Cubase
I'm running Windows 11 24H2 - 26100.7840, and a few days ago noticed that Loop Midi Ports were not being recognised by other apps. Steinberg Forums
Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate - Microsoft Q&A loopmidi windows 11
While there is no formal academic "paper" dedicated solely to loopMIDI on Windows 11, the software's technical architecture and integration with the Windows MIDI stack are documented through Tobias Erichsen's official documentation and community-driven troubleshooting for the latest Windows 11 updates. Technical Overview & Compatibility
loopMIDI is a virtual loopback MIDI cable that allows multiple applications to communicate via MIDI ports that appear as hardware to the OS.
Architecture: It uses the virtualMIDI SDK, a kernel-mode driver that is code-signed for compatibility with 64-bit systems.
Windows 11 Status: It remains a primary recommendation for virtual routing on Windows 11, although recent security and system updates (specifically around March 2026) have introduced intermittent service interruptions. Key Features:
Multi-client support: Allows up to 8 concurrent applications to open a single virtual port.
Persistence: Ports only exist while the application is running, though it can be set to Autostart and minimize to the tray. Known Issues & Fixes on Windows 11
Recent user reports indicate that loopMIDI may occasionally "disappear" or stop functioning due to changes in the Windows 11 MIDI structure. Ports invisible in DAW
Restart the Windows MIDI Service via services.msc or use the command net stop midisrv then net start midisrv in an Admin terminal. Persistent instability
Some users have switched to LoopBe1 as an alternative for better stability on newer Win11 builds. New MIDI Stack
Microsoft is developing a new MIDI 2.0-ready stack for Windows 11; users on Insider builds may need to use Microsoft's new MIDI SDK or updated drivers. Usage in Research & Development
For years, loopMIDI by Tobias Erichsen has been the gold standard for creating virtual MIDI ports on Windows. However, the landscape for loopMIDI on Windows 11 is shifting due to major operating system updates. While loopMIDI remains a critical tool for many, Microsoft is now integrating native "loopback" capabilities directly into Windows 11 through its new Windows MIDI Services. What is loopMIDI?
loopMIDI is a lightweight utility that creates virtual MIDI-ports to route data between different software applications.
Primary Use Case: Interconnecting applications that require hardware-style MIDI ports (e.g., routing a software sequencer to a standalone synth or DAW). Verdict: Essential
Key Advantage: It is simple to configure, allows up to 16 virtual ports, and is completely free for non-commercial use. Using loopMIDI on Windows 11: Challenges & Fixes
Recent Windows 11 updates (specifically version 25H2 and later) have introduced a new MIDI 2.0 stack that can sometimes cause loopMIDI ports to become "invisible" or stop working in certain DAWs like Cubase or VST Live. Common Troubleshooting Steps
If your loopMIDI ports are not appearing in your music software, try these community-vetted solutions:
Correct Startup Order: Always start loopMIDI before opening any other music applications.
Restart the Windows MIDI Service: If ports are hidden, go to Services.msc, find the Windows MIDI Service, stop it, and then start it again (avoid using "Restart").
Check for Windows Updates: Ensure you have the latest cumulative updates, as Microsoft is actively releasing fixes for the new MIDI infrastructure. The Future: Native MIDI Loopback in Windows 11
Microsoft is gradually rolling out Windows MIDI Services, a complete rewrite of the Windows MIDI system. This new service includes built-in loopback endpoints that function similarly to loopMIDI but are integrated directly into the OS. Loop Midi hidden in Windows 11 25H2 fix - Steinberg Forums
The "story" of loopMIDI on Windows 11 is one of a long-standing Tobias Erichsen essential tool meeting a massive operating system overhaul. For years, loopMIDI has been the go-to for creating virtual MIDI ports, but the recent introduction of Windows MIDI Services has introduced both new features and some growing pains. 1. The Classic Setup
For most users, the journey begins with a simple need: sending MIDI data between two apps (like a DAW and a standalone synth).
Download & Launch: You download loopMIDI and add a port by typing a name and clicking the + button.
Set to Autostart: To keep the "story" moving without manual intervention, users typically right-click the tray icon and select Autostart.
Connection: You set your output in App A to "loopMIDI Port" and your input in App B to the same, creating a virtual bridge. 2. The Windows 11 Plot Twist: MIDI 2.0
In early 2026, Microsoft rolled out a complete rewrite of the Windows MIDI stack. Once installed, launch LoopMIDI from your Start Menu
The Upgrade: Windows 11 now supports MIDI 2.0 natively, which includes features like "multi-client" support (letting multiple apps talk to the same hardware port at once).
The Conflict: This update (specifically versions like 25H2) sometimes "hides" or breaks loopMIDI ports because the new Windows MIDI Service takes over management. 3. Troubleshooting the "Hidden" Ports
If your loopMIDI ports suddenly vanish or stop working in Windows 11, the community has found a specific workaround: Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate
loopMIDI is a popular virtual MIDI cable driver developed by Tobias Erichsen, frequently used to route MIDI data between applications on Windows, such as connecting a virtual instrument to a DAW, or routing MIDI between software like Stream Deck and DJ applications.
As of April 2026, Microsoft is rolling out a new native Windows MIDI Services stack (MIDI 2.0) that has caused significant compatibility issues for loopMIDI on Windows 11 (specifically in builds 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1).
Here is an informative post outlining the situation, known issues, and current workarounds. Current Status: loopMIDI & Windows 11 (April 2026)
The new Windows 11 update includes a new, native, multi-client MIDI service. While this brings better native support for MIDI 2.0 and eliminates the need for third-party drivers in some scenarios, it has broken legacy virtual MIDI tools, including loopMIDI.
Symptoms: LoopMIDI ports become invisible to DAWs (like Cubase or Reaper), "hidden," or fail to communicate after a Windows 11 update.
The Issue: The new Windows MIDI service conflicts with the driver signature of the teVirtualMIDI driver used by loopMIDI. Temporary Workarounds
If loopMIDI has stopped working, users have reported success with the following steps:
Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate - Microsoft Q&A
Windows 11 SmartScreen may pop up, warning that the app is unrecognized. Click "More info" and then "Run anyway." This is safe; loopMIDI is a trusted tool in the music production community.
Once installed, the interface is minimalist but powerful. Here is how to set up your first virtual MIDI cable.